Since a film screened during a major film festival like Cannes gets a lot of publicity in the media worldwide, most film festival organizers are very selective in choosing films to be shown. Most film festivals have an entry fee to be considered for screening. However, this does not guarantee that the film will be selected. Smaller film festivals may not charge any fee for participation. Films on social causes may also receive exemption from the fees to be paid.

Some of the major film festival categories are:
1. Category A or Category One classified by the International Federation of Film Producers Association – festivals in Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Tokyo, Karlovy Vary A and other cities.
2. Independent film festivals – for independent films – Sundance Film festival, Tribeca Film festival, Raindance film festival
3. Documentary film festivals.
4. Student film festivals